Memorable experience

Duenkel puts on the shoulder pads for Falcons

By Jason ArndtEditor

Throughout his senior year, Bret Duenkel has regularly attended Westosha Central High School football practices, coaches meetings and has been a dedicated member of the program, Falcons coach Tyson Mengel said.

Duenkel, however, has never experienced putting on the shoulder pads and taking field because he has a rare disease that affects his respiratory system and internal organs.

While medical professionals are working on finding an actual name for the rare ailment, he has served as the football team’s manager, where he plays a vital role in the program.

“He is part of our team as anyone else,” Mengel said. “He loves this team and he shows up to coaches meetings and I told him that he needed to experience football as a player.”